Short Story – Suggestions welcome!

[nlld]

Hello all! I would appreciate any suggestions regarding this problem.

I have a ring that was given to me by my sister. I will be proposing to my girlfriend in February and I want to use this ring because the setting is beautiful and it has sentimental value. However, I want to upgrade the diamond. The ring has a .5ct small diamond but very brilliant (but with no certification). I took the ring to several local shops and they offer me from 1,300 to 1,700 for the diamond as a trade-in. Of course, what they asked for the stone they wanted to sell me was ridiculous. For example a .82ct H SL1 Very good cut for $5.500 (about 3900 after the trade in). So, in reality they selling me an overpriced .82 for 4K and getting my .5ct for free.!!!

I was lucky that I found you and began doing my research. Now, I will be purchasing a stone from an online retailer. Here are my problems:

What do I do with the old diamond? – given that the online retailer will most likely not accept it as a trade in.
Should I get it appraised or certified and put it on ebay? Would a certification be worth it, given the small size? How much will a certification cost?
Should I take it to the local jeweler and see what they give me for it if it is not part of an upgrade (I suspect they will not even look at it).

Ideally, I would love to simply send the entire ring to the online retailer (e.g. whiteflash) and have them re-set it with the new diamond and also have them appraise the old diamond (or even buy it or sell it on consignment). Anyone see any problem with this? (assuming the retailer says yes). Anyone knows of a respected online merchant that would be most likely to work with me on this? My budget for the new diamond can not go over $3,200 (sorry I am a completely broke graduate student).

I have some time since I’m not proposing until February so I will continue to do my research. I will love to hear from people regarding my options. Thank you all. Andres

 

[elmo]

Short answer

- First, find a good jeweler (not necessarily diamond seller) who can confirm for you that the ring that works with the existing half-carat stone can be modified to accomodate a 80-90 pointer (isn't that what you're looking for?). Depending on the setting it may be as simple as swapping out the head/prongs, or it may be impossible. Many/most of the diamond sellers online aren't bench jewelers, so try talking with a person who would actually do the work.

Second, I wouldn't worry too much about selling the current stone; odds are excellent that you'll receive only a small fraction of what another one would cost you. How about setting it in a simple pendant, and presenting that as a wedding gift? A report would run you in the neighborhood of $100, but I'm not convinced it's needed if you keep the stone (but likely needed if you sell).

Finally, if you're proposing in February I'd go ahead and get the ring done...don't wait until the last minute.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Use the .5 ct diamond in a pendant, match it to another stone for earrings, or do something else down the road. After all the aggravation of selling it and getting it certified, you'll be better off keeping it (esp. since you say it is a very attractive stone) and incorporating it in another gift for your bride, who will likely love the stone's history and appreciate the thoughtfullness you put into the whole thing. Plus, it does have sentimental value. You might regret selling it later on.

Good luck!

 

[Giangi]

I agree with everyone else, set it in a pendant and use it as a wedding present.

I did a very little research... It looks like you could easily get an Ideal Cut ~0.85 in the G-H/SI 1 range... Or a full carat in J/SI 1-2 quality.
If you're looking for a superideal H&A, you should be able to get a 0.85+ I/SI 1 or J/VS 1... If you can spend an additional $200-300, maybe a 0.90 J/VS 2. Just to give you an idea!

Happy new year!

 

[nlld]

Thank you all for your replies. I agree. If I don't get a good offer I will keep the old diamond and use it later. Now, one final question. Am I better off getting the new diamond from the online store and having it set through a local jeweler. Or SHould I try to have the online retailer (in this case Whiteflash) set it on the old ring and send the entire combo back? Any suggestions? Thanks, Andres.

 

[pqcollectibles]

You might take the ring to some reputable local jewelers and get opinions about what you are wanting to do. Val is right. It might be a simple head change or it may not be possible. If it seems doable, then chat with White Flash about setting the diamond for you. WF has a superb staff of smiths that are true craftsmen.